If you are beaten, or threatened with physical abuse:
Call 911 for immediate help!
When officers arrive, they may arrest your abuser, even without a warrant, if they find probable cause to do so. They should tell you about YOUR rights under the Criminal Domestic Violence laws.
Write down the officer's name and badge # for reference.
If you go to an emergency room, tell the doctor exactly what happened and be sure to get a copy of your medical record when you leave.
If your abuser is arrested, he may be released on bond in a short time, so please consider taking steps for your own and your children's safety. Stay with a friend, a relative, or at a Sistercare shelter until you can get an Order of Protection from the Family Court.
If you are in doubt about what to do, or how to do it, call Sistercare's 24-hour crisis line at 765-9428 or 1-800-637-7606 if outside of the Columbia area and the counselor will help you.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! YOU HAVE A RIGHT NOT TO BE BEATEN! HELP IS AVAILABLE.
Nearly one third of American women report being abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Source